ESCONDIDO  In an age of specialization, Escondido High’s John Bridges is a throwback letterman in three sports that are completely unrelated.

The son of Cougars football coach, golf coach and athletic director Steve Bridges, John never played football. Instead, he has opted for water polo; wrestling, where he was the San Diego Section Division I champion at 128 pounds; and golf, where he was a two-time all-league pick and a three-time section qualifier.

Q: How did you get involved in three such diverse sports?

A: I wanted to do something different than the sports my dad and brother did. Plus, I wanted to be busy. I usually don’t start my homework until 6 p.m., so I needed something to do from 3-6.

Q: Was there ever any pressure to play football?

A: Not from my dad, but other people asked. I’m only about 120 pounds and the football guys are 210. I’m only about 5-foot-8. I’m sure I could have been on the team, but I’d rather play a sport, than sit on the sidelines and watch.

Q: Tell me what you like best about each sport?

A: Friends convinced me to try water polo as a sophomore and I was open to that because I didn’t want to run cross country again. We had great team chemistry. I’m a decent swimmer, and I can catch and throw a ball. I’m very competitive, so wrestling was a good fit. Wrestling is a lot about technique, but it’s also about guts. And when it comes right down to it, it’s just you on the mat. Golf is more of a leisure activity. But it’s mentally challenging.

Q: What kind of golfer are you?

A: I’m so inconsistent. I can shot a 73 on a par 70. But I can shoot 9 over for nine holes.

Q: You have a 3.3 GPA while taking a number of AP classes. How do you keep up with your studies and excel in three sports?

A: It’s not as difficult as you think. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I have a need to succeed, and I don’t miss classes. There are times when I miss sleep to study, though.

Q: With all you’re doing, do you have a social life?

A: I’m not a party guy, but I like going to the beach, bodyboarding and surfing. And I like going to the movies.

Q: You’re a team captain in two sports? Are you a natural leader?

A: I’m not a captain in water polo, but I’ll bring the team together if needed. It was important to me to lead in wrestling. I respect my coaches and teammates and I know the difference between right and wrong. In golf, it was simple. I know the coach.

Q: How many varsity letters do you have?

A: Nine — two in water polo, three in wrestling and four in golf.

Q: Is there one accomplishment you’re most proud of?

A: Winning CIF in wrestling because I never expected it. I was sixth as a junior, but things just aligned this season.